We hold these truths to be self-evident -- that all men, women and children have certain unalienable rights on holiday weekends. Among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of a Fourth of July fireworks show.

As a courtesy to Beaufort County residents and the thousands of visitors, we present you the following locations for your fireworks viewing.

SATURDAY

One of the biggest Hilton Head Island gathering of the year happens at Shelter Cove's annual July 4 fireworks display. As part of the nightly HarbourFest, there's live entertainment, including patriotic songs from Shannon Tanner at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The Palmetto Dunes Buggy free shuttle bus service will run until the fireworks are over.

Harbour Town doesn't wait until sundown to get the party started. The day starts at 9:30 a.m. at the annual Fourth of July parade. Participants can pick up bike decorating supplies at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot adjacent to the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Games and activities follow until noon.

The fireworks show is from about 9 to 9:30 p.m. over the lighthouse and Calibogue Sound. A free shuttle service is available from various parking lots inside Sea Pines Resort.

The Skull Creek Boathouse, Hudson's Seafood House and the Chart House on Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head celebrate Independence Day with live outdoor music by Atlanta Southern rock band Reuben's Bells. The party begins at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks over Skull Creek at dusk.

The town of Port Royal and the Port Royal Foundation host the Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks at the Sands. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. until after the fireworks display.

SATURDAY

Start the day at the Hilton Head Island Firecracker 5K Run and Family Fun Walk. The 30th annual event at Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, is the largest and oldest road race in Beaufort County and attracts about 1,700 participants. The race starts at 8 a.m.

For more information, go to bearfootsports.com or call 843-757-8520.

VOLUNTEER

Steve Curless, HELP of Beaufort

"God put love in my heart for everyone and I want to share that love with everyone. HELP of Beaufort, Mobile Meals, and The Community Services Organization are ways that I can connect with those in need. The feeling I get when helping others is overwhelming. Everyone should do it."

Be active

Explore Beaufort County's waterways by booking a tour on May River Excursions. Located in Old Town Bluffton, Capt. Chris Shoemaker and his crew offer a variety of boating experiences ranging from fishing, crabbing, shrimping and dolphin watching to a 1 1/2-hour tour on the May River.

Learn about the Lowcountry's ecosystem and wildlife while getting a great view from the river of the homes, Palmetto Bluff and the popular May River Sand Bar.

For times and prices of all the excursions go to mayriverexcursions.com or call 843-304-2878.

Compiled by Hilary Kraus/ Special to The Island Packet/ The Beaufort Gazette